History & Modern Studies

What can you expect?

The Department of History and Modern Studies promotes interest in the modern world and in the people and events which have shaped that world

History: Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1)

From Remove (P7, Y7), students are introduced to evidence as a means of finding about events. Through the context of a study of medieval and early modern Britain and Europe, they develop skills in interpreting visual, written and statistical sources and in evaluating them as a basis for making informed judgments.

Every student has access to an electronic textbook as a starting point for their work and we also use a range of online resources, access to which is facilitated by online platforms and a bank of laptops and screens in our shared teaching classrooms.

We aim to encourage a questioning approach in learning and to develop students’ skills in reading and in extended writing by the end of Lower 4 (S1, Y8), whilst fostering the development of compassionate and inclusive thought and action, based on informed attitudes about historical and contemporary issues.

Modern Studies: Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1)

In Modern Studies, students will develop the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the complex issues facing the world and to allow them to take an active role as citizens in a democratic society. Studies in this interdisciplinary field will start with a study of human rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but will include topics related to politics, economics, sociology and international relations. Students will develop skills in the critical evaluation of evidence and in presenting ideas on an informed but persuasive manner.

History: Upper 4 (S2)

In Upper 4 (S2, Y9), students broaden their studies in History beyond Europe by examining African and Indian society and culture and the economic, social and political impacts of European exploration. They continue to develop their skills in critically evaluating evidence and in making informed, reasoned and sustained judgments in extended responses.

Every student has access to a range of internally developed resources which aim to stimulate interest and encourage further research using online materials. Access to these is facilitated by students’ use or personal devices to access to online platforms where material can be readily shared and discussed.

Lessons are delivered in one of two designated teaching classrooms in the Upper School by one of four subject specialists whose aim is to help students to develop informed attitudes in a supportive and inclusive learning environment which equips them with the skills they will need in the world of work and in further academic studies in History at GCSE level and beyond.

Understanding of the relevance of historical studies in the modern world is developed by a Modern Studies block at the end of the course which examines related contemporary issues. Students are also encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills by becoming involved in activities such as Model United Nations and to broaden their experiences beyond the classroom by taking part in the international trips that we aim to offer on a regular basis.

Mathematics

What can you expect?

Building on their experience from their Primary years, students focus on developing a broad range of knowledge and skills and have the opportunity to develop at their own pace. Students will be provided with a variety of challenges that stimulate and promote the enjoyment of Mathematics.

Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1)

The Remove curriculum features numeracy, algebra, geometry, ratio, statistics and probability. Students will then build on these topics in Lower 4 as part of their journey towards Upper School. In Lower 4, students are also gradually introduced to the use of technology in Mathematics.

Upper 4 (S2)

In Upper 4 (S2) students continue to follow a broad curriculum, extending their knowledge of the core mathematical skills required for both the GCSE and SQA Higher Mathematics courses. Students continue to develop more complex skills that will enhance their ability to solve mathematical problems. The department offers a variety of pathways to cater for each student’s ability and to enable them to fulfil their potential.

Modern Languages

What can you expect?

Lower School students are taught by a combination of native speakers and enthusiastic teachers from the Modern Foreign Languages Faculty.

They not only focus on the four key elements of language learning: speaking, listening, reading, and writing, but also on building leadership and teamwork through joint language projects and performances. As well as ensuring our students gain confidence and skills in using and understanding the language, our aim is for them to develop a love of language and culture.

Remove (P7)

Building on their language learning in P6, students in Remove (P7) continue with three periods per week of French. They also undertake a four-part “Language Carousel” for one period a week, introducing them to German, Chinese, Latin and Spanish.

Here they experience a combination of language and culture with interactive activities such as role plays, songs and games. This process helps students to make their choices for languages in Lower 4.

Lower 4 (S1)

In Lower 4 (S1), students study two languages from French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Latin. Catch up classes are available for students joining us from other schools who may feel that their level in any particular language requires a little support.

The Globetrotters Club, run by members of the Sixth Form, is another forum for Lower School students to develop their interest in languages and cultures out with the classroom.

Upper 4 (S2)

Following on from their language studies in Lower School, students continue with their chosen languages throughout Upper 4 (S2). They work on developing their confidence in the four main skills, studying a broad range of interesting and relevant topics through varied learning tasks and experiences, which include interactive activities, presentations, cultural research, and film.

We endeavour to make the study of languages lively and fun through dynamic teaching and a wealth of stimulating resources. Using pupil voice, we aim to keep our courses relevant and engaging and ensure that themes of diversity, inclusion and understanding are woven into our curriculum.

Alongside the language and cultural elements of the course, students also begin to gain more of an insight into the techniques and understanding required for studying a language at GCSE level. They are then able to make a well-informed decision about which languages to study in fifth form from Chinese (Mandarin), French, German and Spanish.

Focussing on developing key skills for life underpins every aspect of our languages’ curriculum, whether it is resilience and problem-solving when tackling challenging grammar points, or independence and communication, when working on research as part of a presentation.

Every student is given the opportunity to build an excellent skill set which they can continue to develop as they progress through the school.

Music

What can you expect?

There are ample musical opportunities at St George’s in the Lower School. Co-curricular music ensembles include Lower School Orchestra, Lower School Choir, Flute Group, Off the Scale (traditional music), Rock Band, Lower School Musical Club and more!

Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1)

Remove and Lower 4 Music lessons take place in the Lower School Music Room. The room is a wonderfully bright space to learn in with over 20 keyboards, a Smart board, drum kit and an array of percussion instruments.

The students are taught listening, performing and composing, through the study of a vast array of musical styles including western, popular and traditional musical styles, such as programme music, Scottish traditional music, and The 12-bar blues (to name a few).

A strong focus is placed on keyboarding skills and the exploration of the musical elements through music appraisal. The students will also be taught to read and write basic musical notation and to play the keyboards with correct fingerings. The keyboard repertoire is tailored to all levels so that every student has access and are sufficiently challenged.

Students will also have ample opportunity to sing and to develop their aural skills. In the Summer term, the students will also have access to music technology in the Robertson Music Centre through the use of Garage Band and Sibelius software.

Upper 4 (S2)

A vast array of co-curricular musical opportunities are available for Upper 4 students such as Concert Band, Senior Choir, Rock Band, Orchestra, Off the Scale (traditional music), Flute Group, Senior Strings and more!

Upper 4 Music lessons take place in the fabulous Robertson Music Centre. The building houses a vast array of musical instruments and includes an auditorium - a wonderful performance space for musical performance - as well as a classroom with keyboards and computers where students can access music technology for composing.

The teaching and learning in Upper 4 places a strong emphasis on developing a solid understanding of the musical elements through music appraisal. The course begins with a study of popular music where students will do a lot of listening around the topic before developing basic guitar skills as well as accessing the drum kit, bass and keyboard instruments.

The popular music area of study includes everything from Rock n’ Roll, Musical Theatre, Film Music, Gaming Music and more. Teaching and delivery of music lessons in Upper 4 encourages an integrated approach to the three distinct disciplines of performing, composing and appraising in order to sufficiently prepare them to study music at the GCSE level if they so choose.

The students spend a great deal of time developing composition skills through the exploration and use of music technology including Sibelius and Pro Tools software

Physical Education

What can you expect?

Underpinning the delivery of Physical Education and Sport within St George’s is a commitment to allow the greatest number of opportunities for everyone. The Physical Education Curriculum is designed to enhance participation across a wide variety of activities. The students in Remove and Lower 4 have four PE periods every week, a healthy 160 minutes of being active and developing new skills.

The Physical Education Curriculum is continuously adapted based on teacher evaluations, students feedback, assessment, and professional research.

Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1)

This curriculum is both developmentally appropriate and progressive ensuring a clear pathway between year groups. We believe in providing as many opportunities as possible for Remove and Lower 4 students to represent their class, house and school in a variety of sporting contexts. We end each PE block with inter-class or inter-house fixtures, to allow all pupils to experience a competitive environment.

Here is a list of some of the core activities we deliver:

• Remove (P7) PE activities: Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Dance, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Swimming, Tennis, Athletics, Cricket.

• Lower 4 (S1) PE activities: Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Basketball, Badminton, Gymnastics, Swimming, Tennis, Athletics and Cricket.

There are excellent on-site facilities including a large all weather Astro-pitch, MUGAs, grass pitches, athletics sprint track, gymnastics hall, fitness suite and an indoor sports hall to enable a wide range of activities on site. The Physical Education Curriculum is supported and enhanced by our extensive Sport Co-curriculum and Outdoor Education programme. These three components within the PE Department are closely aligned ensuring the students are achieving their full potential.

Upper 4 (S2)

Upper 4 (S2): The aim of the Physical Education Curriculum in Upper School is to instill lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity, and to embed an understanding of the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Project block allows for creativity and group work, while in Upper 4 students have their first opportunity to select their own activity for one block.

Upper 4 (S2): Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Volleyball, Dance, Gymnastics, Tennis, Cricket, Athletics and an option choice.

In this regard, we are committed to developing an environment in which pupils work outside of their comfort zone, taking on new opportunities and embracing mistakes as a method of improvement.

We drive to deliver a Physical Education curriculum that develops young people’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, physical health and life skills. Physical Education at St George’s is a vehicle through which a joy of movement is established, leadership skills are developed and a love for sport and physical activity is fostered.

To achieve this, students complete two hours of Physical Education lessons a week led by specialist PE Teachers in a wide variety of activities. Within these activities we develop leadership skills by delivering Netball through the ‘Sport Education’ model. Our Group Dance

Through our lessons we want to spark pupils’ interests in activities and support our extensive extracurricular programme, as well as signpost individuals beyond school to develop their potential. Our co-curricular sport programme allows pupils in Upper 4 the opportunity to play sport after school every day of the week, in addition to Saturday morning fixtures.

Religion & Philosophy

What can you expect?

In Religion and Philosophy we challenge students to critically engage with religious traditions, philosophical questions and ethical dilemmas.

Remove (P7)

In Remove students explore the question: ‘who are we and where do we belong?’. They grapple with the ideas of Descartes and Materialism, and examine how story, ritual and symbolism can help create a sense of identity and belonging in the religions of Judaism, Islam and Sikhism. All the while students are encouraged to raise and answer their own questions about the topic.

Lower 4 (S1)

In Lower 4 students explore the question: ‘who should we become?’. They investigate how religious and non-religious worldviews have impacted the beliefs and actions of important figures including Martin Luther King Jnr and Mohandas Gandhi and reflect on their own inspirations and aspirations.

Upper 4 (S2)

In Upper 4 students explore the question: ‘how should we live?’. They consider the teachings of Buddha on suffering and explor the moral issues raised by topics like animal testing and fast fashion.

Students also get a taster of the GCSE syllabus, weighing up matters of life and death including abortion and the death penalty.

Sciences

What can you expect?

Lower School Sciences, taught to Remove (P7) and Lower 4 (S1) students, builds on their studies in the Primary years. The students are taught in two well-equipped labs by teachers who also teach in Upper School, with technician support.

The curriculum follows the KS3 science guidelines, to ensure students receive a good grounding in Physics, Chemistry and Biology to support their studies at GCSE.

Remove (P7)

In Remove, they learn more about the basic concepts in a balanced science setting, and then study separate sciences in Lower 4. Topics taught are: Remove: Particles and Heat, Cells and Organs, Separating Mixtures, Energy and Ecosystems.

Lower 4 (S1)

Lower 4: Chemistry: Acids and Alkalis, Metals and Non-Metals, Earth Science, Scientific skills. Biology: Digestion, Gas Exchange, Reproduction. Physics: Forces and Speed, Electricity, Light and Sound. There is an emphasis on understanding the scientific method and the development of investigative skills in each topic. Students are also regularly encouraged to explore, through research projects and practical investigations, throughout the courses.

Lower 4 students also carry out a 3-week investigation which may be eligible for a British Association Bronze CREST award. There is also a weekly Science club after school where students can investigate aspects of science outside the school curriculum and carry out problem solving activities.

Upper 4 (S2): Chemistry

The U4 science course is made up of 3 different topics that build on their knowledge from lower school to help prepare them for GCSE.

Chemistry: Separating mixtures, Acids and bases and the Periodic table. There is s strong focus on practical skills throughout the course with regular experiments for the pupils. It is also important that pupils develop their literacy and numeracy skills, including: reading for understanding, plotting graphs, calculating averages and percentages, fair testing in experiments and researching and presenting information on topical chemistry. In the summer term pupils work on a group project based on the television show, “The Apprentice”.

Upper 4 (S2): Physics

When students join Physics in Upper 4, they are already halfway through a 2 year curriculum which will help to underpin their future Science progression.

We are proud of our high uptake for GCSE, and the Upper 4 curriculum continues to lay the groundwork for this course, by developing the themes of Electromagnetism and Optics. We also ensure that our students core practical and scientific skills are well developed.

We appreciate that for some students, this may be their last formal year of studying Physics and so we try to encourage a sense of curiosity and wonder through the study of themes such as Space, in the hope that they will continue to enjoy and engage with Physics beyond the classroom.

Our laboratories are well equipped with modern apparatus, data logging equipment and IT facilities. There is particular emphasis placed on developing practical, research and investigative skills. In addition, virtual experiments, simulations and applications are employed to consolidate and enrich understanding.

Upper 4 (S2): Biology

In Upper 4 (S2) there are four biology teachers that provide a stimulating and rich learning environment in which students continue their experience of discrete sciences. The Upper school Biology department has three well-resourced science laboratories allowing students access to many, varied experiments, and activities to explore the biological concepts and phenomena around them in a hands-on manner.

The Upper 4 biology course focuses on lifestyle choices, health risk factors and approaches to minimise their impact, whilst preparing them for the study of GCSE biology. The course offers opportunities to learn about human health and disease, the nervous system, cellular processes in animals and plants that ensure survival, genetics of inheritance and the environment.

Throughout the Upper 4 biology course there is a focus on developing understanding of the scientific cycle and investigative skills. Alongside the acquisition of scientific knowledge and skills students have many opportunities to develop their soft skills through debating, discussion, presenting information, and working collaboratively and effectively as a group.